Effect of Tulsi (ocimum Sanctum) and Turmeric (curcuma Longa) on Broiler Performance and Blood Constituents during Heat Stress in Broilers

A study was performed with 216 day old vencobb broiler chicks in two batches during summer. In each batch, 108 chicks were divided into 9 dietary treatment groups viz, T1fed on basal diet (BD) alone; T2-BD + Vitamin E (200mg/Kg);T3-BD + Vitamin E (200mg/Kg) + Selenium (0.15 ppm); T4--BD+Tulsi(0.25%);T5–BD+Tulsi(0.5%);T6BD+Turmeric(0.2%);T7-D+Turmeric(0.4%);T8BD+Tulsi(0.25%)+Turmeric(0.2%);T9-+Tulsi(0.5%)+Turmeric(0.4%). Additionally, a control group of 12 chicks were raised separately in stress free environment. Body weights and feed efficiency were recorded at weekly intervals and blood samples were collected from wing vein at 4and 6 wk of age for estimation of Red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Bodyweights, feed efficiency, RBC, Hb and PCV values were significantly (P≤0.01) lower, while WBC counts were higher in T1 group compared to control group. These attributes were improved with the supplementation of Turmeric followed by Tulsi at either doses and were comparable with the supplementation of vitamin E alone or in combination with Se. However, combination of herbals at different doses had no additive benefit than their sole inclusions.